T H G I L T O P S FFICIAL ON AN O
K R A M Y D N U GR [ By Rob Suggitt ]
We met up with 20-year-old Mark Grundy, our “Spotlight Official” for this edition of the Hockey Edmonton Magazine. Mark started officiating hockey at 13 years of age and is currently in his eighth season as a minor hockey official. Mark is a graduate of Archbishop MacDonald High School, and he’s currently taking Education at the University of Alberta. Mark plans to be a high school physics teacher when he finishes up with his studies. In his spare time, Mark enjoys video games, golf and slo-pitch baseball. Mark took the time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions on how he got involved in officiating and what he likes most about officiating minor hockey.
HE: How many games do you plan to officiate this season? MG: As many as I am able.
Hockey Edmonton: How many years did you play hockey
HE: What level of hockey are you currently officiating? MG: Everything from pee wee up to midget AA and junior C.
before becoming a minor hockey official?
Mark Grundy: I played from initiation through to my second year of midget (mostly centre), so three years doing both – playing hockey and being a hockey official.
HE: When did you start officiating hockey? MG: I started the first year I was eligible, when I was 13.
HE: How many years have you officiated during Minor Hockey Week?
MG: Every year I’ve officiated, so this season will be my eighth. HE: What makes you volunteer your time as an official for Minor Hockey Week?
MG: The games are far more exciting than during the regular HE: What made you want to become a hockey official? MG: At first, it was the money! There aren’t very many ways to make money at 13, and officiating seemed to be a fun way to do that.
season, the crowd and parents are far more engaged, overtime is even more tense, and if you get the chance to officiate a final all of this is heightened.
HE: Any special memories from Minor Hockey Week? HE: How many games did you officiate last season? MG: I would estimate 60, maybe 70.
MG: As a player, I’ve had the pleasure of being on winning teams three times, so each of those tournaments have been especially memorable.
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